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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.